Patriots to parade down Main Street

The Somerset Patriots, along with the Somerville District Management Corporation, have announced that the Patriots Parade will take place down Main Street in Somerville 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.

The festivities will begin with an autograph session with all the Somerset Patriots players and coaches at Borough Hall at 5:15 p.m. The parade will kick-off at Borough Hall at 6 p.m. and march down Main Street to the historic Somerville Courthouse.

At the courthouse steps, Somerset County Elected Officials, Patriots team officials, and community members will address the crowd in a special program designed to welcome the 2008 Somerset Patriots team and kick off the season. Somerset Patriots Manager Sparky Lyle will introduce the entire 2008 Patriots team during the program.

The Patriots Parade will include several organizations marching alongside the Somerset Patriots. Veteran groups, US Armed Forces members, little league teams, scout troops, marching bands, fire companies, police squads, cheerleaders, non-profit groups, mascots, and partners of the team will march with the team.

"The Parade has become one of the events that fans look forward to every season. It's a great opportunity to meet all of our coaches and players, but more importantly, to recognize some great community organizations that march alongside our team," said Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

Following the parade, fans will be able to meet and greet players at restaurants throughout Downtown Somerville. Participating restaurants will be Mannion's Pub, Alfonso's, East Star Buffet, The Verve, Scampi's, Martino' s, Central Pizzeria, Main Street Bistro and Yutaka Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.

Groups that are interested in participating in the parade should contact the Somerset Patriots at (908) 252-0700.

The 2008 Somerset Patriots will begin at Commerce Bank Ballpark on Friday, April 25. Tickets for all 70 home games are now on sale for the upcoming All-Star Season. For more information, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.